Grilling

Definition

Grilling is a cooking method where food is cooked on a grill over direct heat, usually from below. It is often used to prepare meats and vegetables with a distinct charred flavor.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Grilling is a form of cooking that involves dry heat applied to the surface of food, commonly from above or below. This culinary technique typically uses a grill, where radiant heat directly cooks the food, creating browning and crusting due to the Maillard reaction at high temperatures.

Benefits

• Reduces fat content in meats as it drips away during cooking.
• Enhances flavors through caramelization and charring.
• Retains vitamins and nutrients in vegetables more effectively than boiling.

Examples

• Grilled chicken
• Barbecued ribs
• Charred corn on the cob

Additional Information

• Known issues: Cooking at very high temperatures can produce harmful compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which may pose health risks if consumed in large quantities.

Related Terms

• Barbecuing
• Roasting
• Baking
• Sauteing
• Broiling

References

• High-temperature cooking harms
• The health benefits of grilling